THE CLASSES: range from mild to spicy (my husband's a former yoga teacher and he says after 2020, some studios avoid beginner/intermediate/advanced terminology to not sound like crazy Scientologists I guess). Mild is great if your body is tight/in recovery, it's been a rough day, or you just want permission to take it easy. Medium would require more effort but it doesn't cause serious regrets. Spicy is all in, keep up, sweat like crazy, and maybe re-evaluate your choice to come. I take classes to meet my body where it is that day; that is, I don't "only" do spicy ones to "get fit." So my week consists of Mild to Spicy to have "rest" days. The schedule is constantly changing and I haven't taken every class/instructor, so here's how I'd categorize the ones I've attended: * = my repeats/try to attend when I can vp = very popular/crowded Mild: Dominique* (vp; you might snore) or any restorative/yin, Vickie*, Baxter (vp), Jill* Mild/Medium: Deshauna*, Yoko* (vp), Margi* (vp), Ellen, Richard (vp) Medium: Andrea, Leslie, Nichol*, Monica Medium/Spicy: Annie (vp), Kim (the lovely owner!) Spicy: Jody* (vp), Gaby (vp), Jacqui, Rose, Ann Thu* Want to take classes from the "original" group who worked alongside Rodney Yee (yes, that guy)? It's Yoko, Richard, and Annie (I think?) when this was previously Piedmont Yoga Studio. Want adjustments? It depends on class size and the instructor. Yoko, Margi, Ann Thu and Jody do so when they can. I've seen some some students get upset when instructors tell them how to correct the pose. It's a no-win situation. If you're new to crowded classes, be in the 2nd row where you can see better. The only suggestion I have is having a whiteboard/display where instructors can write down the suggested props. Or maybe a picture of each prop with a number next to it and write it down in the Zoom chat. Sometimes an instructor repeats the prop list 5+ times as folks trickle in online/in person. TIPS: Yoga's very subjective--try a lot of studios until you find one you like in terms of the space, students, instructors, and the parking/commute. Go where you feel comfortable and want to return, it helps you maintain momentum. If it's your very first time at any studio, show up early to sign waivers! FWIW: I started yoga after chemo and I've stuck with it during recovery, relapse, remission, parenthood, severe burnout, and now perimenopause. After 20 years, I still can't do handstands/headstands and there are some poses I just can't do anymore. I've been with this studio for 10+ years and 5+ years for my husband. read more

My loved one and I have been attending Dominique's Tuesday night restorative yoga together for the past two years. I understand why it's so full these days! The best teachers put in the hours and meet the room with flexibility, the kind that comes from confidence in the material and delivery. Dominique leads every class with steady and tender compassion. As someone who has taught yoga for years myself, I appreciate her seasoned ability to hold space for the community with multiple awarenesses at play. The accessibility piece is always present. This class is great for all bodies and levels of experience and I love being in such a room. She has a natural delivery with clear verbal cues and intuitive encouragement that's even at times poetic. Nest's restorative yoga classes are essential! I feel grateful that we have her in Oakland and while I hope this class doesn't become too packed, I wish everyone such a safe space in this upcoming year. read more

This is my home yoga studio in the East Bay. You can trust that each teacher has been carefully vetted and bring a certain level of expertise to their teaching craft. I think this might trickle down from the old days when this studio used to train yoga teachers? I wasn't here then but I've heard those references. There are a lot of classes on the schedule which makes it easy to find something to fit my schedule needs. There's also a front desk person who is always very quick to respond to emails. This is a plus because other yoga studios without front desk staff make it hard to get quick help if I'm running late for a class or have a membership question. I can't personally vouch for each class as I haven't tried each teacher. But I do think classes have a nice variety of difficulty. All the way from true restorative laying around, to mindfulness based classes, to senior yoga or chair yoga to very rigorous power yoga type of classes. The owner, Kim, puts a lot of care into the studio and it's quite evident. There are always little enhancements to the space, the experience, and even her own attention and care to me as a long term member. read more

I really wanted to like this place, it's in a good location, nice plants, but sadly my experience was not great. First I wanted to say that I went to only 2 classes on a new student special, but after the 2nd class I will probably never go back. I will not mention teacher names, but you can probably figure it out from looking at the schedule. I went to a 10:30 am Sunday class first, class was labeled all levels, it was NOT all levels. It was packed and the teacher offered no modifications and rarely left her yoga mat. It was a challenging class, but I did make it thru. I went into the lobby and mentioned to the front desk girl the was way harder than I was expecting. She looked me up and down and seemed a bit judgmental. Whatever, as a curvy middle age lady not that first 20 year old to look at me like I'm fat. Next class was the Saturday Vinyasa Flow. A pretty good class, but I was totally confused by how she started class: We got all comfortable on the floor, then 1 minute later we got up, did some weird things at the wall, then got back on the floor, where we just were. I'm sorry, we did we get up just to go back to lying on the floor??? If you are still reading - know that I say all of this as a trained yoga and Pilates teacher. This place has a more "athletic" / skinny young person / push yourself too hard vibes. That's my take. read more

Though not the cheapest, this is one of the best yoga studios in the East Bay. The price is $55 for unlimited sessions for 2 months. You can do the classes either in-person (I highly recommend this option), online on demand, or online but replayed. If you are going to sign up, ask for the $175/mo unlimited special. You get unlimited classes (via all three mediums), as well as 15% off all the gear and merchandise they sell. Plus you get a free buddy pass 1x per month. It ain't cheap, but the instructors are fantastic and you will get the most personalized attention you can get. read more

I enrolled in the new student special, which was a *steal* y'all. 3 weeks of unlimited yoga for $55 in 2024? Game on. I enrolled in several in-person classes and two virtual classes. My favorites included: - Vinyasa Flow (instructor: DeShauna Anderson): a hybrid between tradition breath and movement to some challenging and fun sequences. And I love DeShauna's energy. - Conditioning + Yoga (instructor: Melina Meza): physically challenging but great class focused on building strength - Vinyasa Flow (instructor: Dyamen Namer): A fun, active Vinyasa class, with close attention to form. Why I docked one star: I did not like the crowded classes (2-3 inches between mats in the hot afternoon felt suffocating), or the fast paced yoga, a personal preference, because I noticed there was less focus on form than speed. Speed without form (or instructors correcting for it) equals injury. I appreciated the variety of yoga and instructors. You'll find a range between those who take a very physical approach and do ongoing, fast-paced flows and blast music (Gaby's Power Vinyasa Flow class, which seems super popular), to those who honor the more traditional, meditative yoga. And I got to say it, but "Namaste" is used as a "hello" type of greeting in colloquial Indian dialects, so big ups to those instructors who knew the culturally appropriate way to close the class. ;) read more

Last year, I was determined to get back into a regular yoga practice after quarantine. The studio I had been going to closed during the pandemic, so I was searching for a new studio to meet my needs. Nest is a great fit! I signed up for their intro package of unlimited classes for 21 days and dove into a sampler platter of classes. There is literally something for everyone! My favorite has been a weekday morning vinyasa flow class with Jacqui Rowley. Her pacing is excellent and she is very considerate of injuries, chronic pain, etc and offers practical modifications. She also was a warm, welcoming personality, and pleasant voice. I always feel great after her classes. The location on Piedmont Ave is handy to me and parking is usually a breeze. read more

Lovely yoga boutique close to kaiser Oakland. Small socially distance yoga classes with 6-8 people. Offers easy and intermediate difficulty. Environment: peaceful quiet yoga room. Lots of sunlight. Blanket, pillow, balance blocks are offered to students. read more

Good instructors and a variety of classes. They have Zoom viral and in person too. Some of the instructors have been teaching a long time. My only complaint is that the rooms are not big and they squeeze you in. I went to a class with 18 people plus the other day and we were literally side by side. Can't really stretch out and relax in this environment. read more

I went to Nest and asked for a yoga class for beginners. I made it clear that I injured myself badly many years ago at my one and only yoga class--and the injury didn't show itself until the next day, so I didn't feel it when I was in the class. Talked to the teacher ahead of time explaining what I need--total beginner, history of one class with bad injury, wanted guidance. Both times, the teacher said no problem. But the classes were exactly what I didn't want. Both times the teacher moved quickly through each pose, demonstrating to an online class on Zoom at the same time. No opportunity for questions. No guidance. I was always 3 or 4 poses behind, trying to figure out how to do what I was seeing. It was so discouraging. I left the second class half way through because I was scared I would do something to injure myself. read more

I love Nest Yoga! I've been coming to this studio for about 6 months - first through a welcome special with the studio and now through Class Pass. When I first began I hadn't done much yoga in many years (I was averaging two classes a month) and found plenty of options to build my skills, my flexibility, and my strength. Now that I've been going to yoga about two times a week Nest has plenty of moderate to advance-level classes for me to choose from. The students, teachers, and the staff are super friendly. The teachers are wonderful, professional, and provide individualized attention to help you to keep learning through your practice. There are two studios in the space and they are well-stocked with props and super clean. What I love most about the space is the ample natural light, which has been soothing in the rain and invigorating in the sunshine. I look forward to my classes at Nest and definitely recommend to the beginner, intermediate, or advanced yogi. Enjoy!! read more

Let me start by saying I am the antithesis of a "yogi" and have always been extremely shy/hesitant to go to a yoga class. I had never taken a yoga class before in my life before visiting Nest Yoga. I was visiting family in Piedmont from Houston, TX for 3 weeks and really wanted to get into yoga (it's a California thing to do right?) and I found Nest Yoga through Yelp. I signed up for the 30 day unlimited class pass for new students and attended 13 classes in 20 days. All that being said, here's my review: 1) The location and facilities are great. I would walk 20 minutes to Nest and change in one of the two large bathrooms (located between the front and back studio) right before attending a class. I used the app to sign up for classes and it gives you the option to have the class added to your calendar which gives you a reminder one hour before class which was super helpful. 2) When I attended my very first class, I had no idea what I was doing. Other students were grabbing props (blankets, blocks, bolsters, etc.) which I had never heard anything about being used during a yoga class. Right away a friendly person in my class probably noticed I was new/looking clueless and helped me grab 2 blankets, 2 blocks, a bolster and a strap (I would then grab the same items for pretty much every class unless the instructor would say to grab an extra blanket/bolster, etc.). The friendly people looking to help was consistent in every class I went to; I was helped out in one way or another by other students that were super kind just by their nature - definitely helped me get over my hesitation of going to the yoga classes. 3) As I mentioned before, I was completely new to yoga and took 13 classes; the majority were geared towards "beginners" (you can read the class descriptions in the app) and classes that would also help my flexibility. Here are some of my favorite classes in no particular order: a) Hatha Yoga with Vickie Russell Bell b) Complete Yoga - All Levels with Richard Rosen c) Yoga for Flexibility with Yoko Yoshikawa d) Yoga Basics with Tracy Peterson 4) There are a lot more options for different levels of classes with a lot of different instructors. Every instructor I had was great at what they do and knowledgable - I'm sure there's a class for everyone and would recommend you check out Nest Yoga if you're in Oakland or visiting from out of town (I had another student next to me that was visiting from NYC in one class). Hope this review is helpful for someone else that may be hesitant to start yoga! Namaste. read more

I walked by the studio and decided to take a drop in class. The studio is small, but I like having a smaller class because I feel like the teacher can give more 1 on 1 instruction. Jody was the teacher for the class I was in and she taught things in a very clear way and was open to any questions from students or suggestions for what we wanted to do in class. The person at the desk was very helpful by going through the class descriptions and answering any questions I had about them. I will definitely be going back and checking the other classes offered. read more

What a welcoming place! I just finished my new student special and definitely took advantage of the unlimited 10 day trial. The livestream classes were super easy to access, see, and hear. I took a class with Rose and I felt as if I were actually in person with her clear guidance. The in person studio classes are amazing and I'm learning so much in Richard Rosen's Intermediate class and went twice. In this class, Richard really hones in on alignment and walks you through modifications. He weaves the class together with a breathing meditation towards the end, which I completely love. Both the students and teachers in this class are very engaged and Richard remembered my name from the following class! I also took another class with Jody, and enjoyed the flow sequence and her positive energy. I can sense a real feeling of community and I'm not from the area. It's like the "Cheers" of yoga, where everyone knows your name! read more

I love this studio! My favorite classes are Jivamukti Open, Yin Yoga and Roll 'N Restore. The instructors are very knowledge and have a great vibe. The studio has a great energy with the high ceilings and candles. read more

Amazing Sunday night class with Carly! The studio is beautiful, clean, bright, and open. Carly's sequencing was relaxing and unusual -- in the best way! Can't wait to come back! read more

I was going here when it was called "You and the Mat." It has most of the same teachers as it did then, and the changes have been all for the good. It's a nice space, with two studios and two bathrooms, and plenty of space for students' shoes and bags. The owner, Kim, is the smartest yoga studio owner I've ever known. She understands that promotions and low-priced packages are the way to cultivate students and retain loyalty. She also asks for and listens to suggestions from clients. All the desk people are friendly and welcoming. The online system is easy to use. Although I have my favorite classes and teachers, I've never had a bad class at the studio. Try it. You'll like it. read more

I love this studio! I'm so happy to have this my place to go practice. It's a new studio, in that it is in a new space and has a new name, and it is calm and lovely. The teachers are experts, really amazing. Many of them are nationally known for their long standing teachings and yoga writings, like Richard Rosen, Yoko Yoshikawa, Annie Carpenter, Margi Young, Leslie Howard, Vickie Russell Bell, JoAnn Lyons, and others I may be missing. There is a long rich yoga history with these teachers. And, there is a new generation of high quality teachers being introduced here as well, the ones who will be writing and creating yoga into the future! Tracy Peterson, Lynn Ursic, and Sarah Moody, for example. I really haven't had a disappointing class and I have taken a lot of classes. Thoughtful sequencing, open to different levels, and a focus on safe practice. The studio is lovely and all the staff are friendly and welcoming. Kim has done wonders with taking on this studio and making it more than a business, it is a place of community. And Kim is a wonderful teacher, too!! Thanks Nest Yoga!!! read more

I love Nest Yoga. It's a calm, beautiful space staffed by the kindest human beings on the planet. The teachers are consistently excellent; I've taken classes from 4 or 5 different folks and truly enjoyed every one. Critically (for me), Nest is endlessly warm and welcoming - none of the patronizing snootiness I've experienced other places. It's just an easygoing, kind place. read more

Fantastic studio, friendly staff! They have a range of classes - all with exceptional, knowledgable teachers and a real community atmosphere. The studio itself is a quite peaceful environment and I especially love their slower classes (Restorative & Reiki)! I highly recommend checking Nest out. You will feel welcome! read more

Beautiful, brand new studio. There are two yoga studios, both with tons of natural light. Bright, but not overwhelmingly so. I loved the flow of class, the music, and the instructor's cues. Will definitely be returning. read more

I've been coming to Nest for the last week for a yoga teacher training. I'm so grateful for the beautiful space that supports many different kinds of yoga. They are at the leading edge of yoga studios, from hosting LGBTQ awareness for yoga teachers courses to even offering pelvic floor yoga teacher trainings like the one I attended. They offer free tea to boot! Definitely recommend Nest and Leslie Howard's teaching! read more

Love this place! I've been practicing yoga for 12 years, and learning from the teachers at Nest over the past two months has taken my practice to a new level. So glad I found this spot. read more

Nest Yoga gets it all right. One: the teachers there are all well-trained, and give all sorts of tips to avoid injury--either in the immediate, or later down the line. Two: There are a wide range of classes, including solid foundation classes, as well as genuinely challenging classes for those of us who have been doing awhile. One can keep growing as a yogi there, without worrying about getting hurt. Three: Everyone is super cool and fun! This is not one of those self-serious yoga studio where everybody talks about mindfulness but nobody cracks a smile. The whole place has a good, kind, welcoming vibe. Four: Brand new studio that is beautiful, with lots of natural light. read more

Nest Yoga is located in a newly constructed space with two separate yoga studios. Nest has the best instructors and offers all levels of yoga for those brand new to yoga and for longtime practitioners. I really appreciate the attention they give to proper positions in poses and their offers of adjustments when needed. In addition to the regular classes, there are also workshops, presentations, teacher trainings and community events. There is also a front retail space that offers a good selection of yoga apparel, props, books and accessories. The staff and owner are all warm and welcoming. They will answer your questions and can suggest classes that you may enjoy most. Nest has a great overall community. You can check out Nest for yourself with their offer for New Students Unlimited Classes for 30 Days for only $49! read more

I LOVE Nest Yoga. I have been going to (Bay Area) yoga studios for over 20 years and this is the *first* studio that truly feels welcoming and like I am part of the community. The teachers, staff and Kim, the studio owner make efforts to get to know you and this has made a huge difference to me. Nest offers so many different styles/levels of yoga asana with a variety of days/times and teachers (who have a deep knowledge of the practice and how to teach it!) - this range has helped me deepen my practice and also be more consistent. I have been coming to Nest since Feb 2016 (before the name change) and it's been so sweet to experience how the studio has evolved, and continues to evolve with love, care and thoughtfulness. Yoga is a touchstone for my spiritual center and overall well-being and I am so grateful to have Nest as a studio I can call my yoga home. Highly recc Nest Yoga to others! read more

Nest is a beautiful yoga studio. I have been a student of Lynn Ursic's for two years and I wanted to make sure others know how amazing she is. In the past two years I have seen my body become much stronger. When I started my knees were hurting but after a couple of months, the pain started to go away due to the strength building in my thighs. Another surprising thing is that my shoulders and neck are back instead of forward now and when I see a reflection of myself I'm surprised at how much different I look. Lynn has a solid knowledge of the body and focuses on proper alignment in the postures and how to do them safely. She incorporates mental and spiritual work into the practice as well. Everyday, I have a sense of center and calm that has grown out of my practice with Lynn. read more

This new space is so zen and calming! Just took Carly's Sunday Vinyasa. Nice mix of intensity and some restorative. Perfect way to wind down the week and flow into the work week. read more

This is going to be your new favorite boutique yoga studio! Knowledgeable teachers, clean studios w/ complimentary hot tea. Can drop in for a class or sign up for a package. Website user friendly. A must try! read more

Fantastic yoga studio. They have a varied class schedule and excel at teaching Restorative, Hatha and Yin Yoga. The teacher's are very knowledgeable and welcoming. Highly recommended! read more

Nice clean, bright and welcoming space. All classes have excellent teachers. They offer beginning to advanced classes with master teachers and have had a dedicated following through the years. read more

Nest is the perfect studio to call home. They have created a beautiful space for learning and exploration with some of the best teachers in the bay. read more

Beautiful studio. Amazing classes and beautifully curated yoga clothes and accessories.

Great place whether you're a first timer or a pro. There is a large selection of classes of varrying difficulty and style throughout the day and week. The app is very convenient for checking the schedule and signing up. The staff and teachers are super friendly, and importantly non judgemental of people who are not regular yogis. I was at intimidated at first because I'm an amateur, but felt completely welcomed and relaxed within a few minutes. The studios are clean and aesthetically pleasing. They really foster a feeling of tranquility. Check out Tracy Peterson's 'happy hour yoga' or 'yoga for flexibility'. Definitely my favorites. Also there is free tea. read more

I absolutely love this studio. Nest offers a range of styles of yoga - all with amazing, kind, and experienced teachers. I would recommend for beginnings to advanced yogis who want to deepen their practice. read more

I love Nest Yoga, a true community space that offers classes for beginners to advanced students. I especially love Reba Gray's classes because she makes classes that seamlessly flow from asana to asana, always with time at the end to stretch and transition into final rest. Nest has beautiful natural light in both studios, is clean, and every teacher I have taken makes sure to introduce themselves and makes everyone feel comfortable, heard and challenged. I am very grateful for Nest and all the people who work and practice there! read more

My first visit to Nest was for Tracy's yoga for flexibility class and I loved it! The instructor was thoughtful and warm, and made intuitive adjustments. There was a welcoming mix of experience, age, and body type amongst class goers, and clear sense of community at this studio. It is a beautiful, clean space that seems to have dedicated instructors and students, can't wait to visit again. read more